What is Integrative Cancer Care?

Integrative cancer care focuses on utilizing natural and supportive therapies to support individuals in all stages of cancer from the time of diagnosis, during treatment, to recovery and survivorship. Naturopathic doctors are educated in conventional cancer treatment and the safe and effective use of natural therapies to complement conventional treatment, reduce its side-effects, improve health and wellbeing, and lower risk of recurrence in individuals affected by cancer.

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Dr Irina Chan Toronto Naturopathic Doctor Naturopath integrative cancer care

Chemotherapy Support

Common side effects of chemotherapy include nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, fatigue, loss of appetite, weight loss, oral sores, brain fog and numbness and tingling in the hands and feet. Long-term side effects include heart, lung and nerve damage. 

Integrative cancer care can help to reduce and manage side-effects of chemotherapy so patients can better tolerate and stay on course with their conventional treatment plan to obtain optimal health outcomes.

In addition, integrative cancer care can enhance the effectiveness of conventional treatment by optimizing your immune function, hormonal balance, blood sugar balance, detoxification, reducing inflammation and supporting other anti-cancer pathways that influence the body’s ability to protect and fight cancer. 

Optimizing the body’s self-healing and anti-cancer processes are critical components of any cancer prevention and treatment plan.

Radiation Support

Common side effects of radiation include dermatitis, swelling, hair loss, nausea and vomiting, fatigue, oral mucositis, loss of appetite, difficulty swallowing, urinary incontinence, diarrhea, constipation, and changes in sexual function. Long-term side effects include heart and lung complications.

 

Integrative cancer care can help to reduce and manage side effects of radiation therapy and improve quality of life through mind-body techniques, supportive nutritional and botanical supplements, and optimizing lifestyle factors such as sleep, diet, and physical activity.

surgery Support

While undergoing surgery such as lumpectomy or prostatectomy, naturopathic medicine can be very useful in reducing surgical complications and promoting recovery. Patients work with naturopathic doctors to prevent risk of infection, reduce pain, decrease bruising and swelling, promote wound healing and reduce adhesion or scar formation with the goal of returning to regular activities as soon as possible.

Post-Cancer Support

Following cancer treatment, Dr. Irina can help guide you through survivorship, how to protect yourself, and build a strong anti-cancer defense system that will reduce your risk of recurrence and help you lead a healthy and meaningful life following cancer.

In addition to addressing diet, physical activity and lifestyle factors that can contribute to the development and recurrence of cancer, intravenous vitamin therapy can be useful in improving quality of life, slowing cancer progression and preventing recurrence.

Learn More About Intravenous Vitamin Therapy
Dr Irina Chan Toronto Naturopathic Doctor Naturopath integrative cancer care

What to Expect

90 Minute Initial Visit

60 Minute Follow-Up Visit 

30-60 Minute Follow-Up Visits 
(Every 3-6 Months)